U.S. patent application number 15/031506 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-15 for method and apparatus for battery life conservation with shared network connection.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nokia Technologies Oy. Invention is credited to Ashley COLLEY, Janne KYLLONEN.
Application Number | 20160269992 15/031506 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52992333 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160269992 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KYLLONEN; Janne ; et
al. |
September 15, 2016 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BATTERY LIFE CONSERVATION WITH SHARED
NETWORK CONNECTION
Abstract
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided
for conservation of battery life with a shared network connection.
In the context of a method, a connection is caused to be
established with a local network. The local network includes a
modem which is in connection with a network. The method also causes
at least one mobile device to be disconnected from the network
following the connection to the local network. While the at least
one mobile device is disconnected from the network, the method
receives a signal indicating that a connection should be
established with the network. In response to the signal, the method
causes the connection with the local network to be terminated and
causes the connection to be established with the network.
Inventors: |
KYLLONEN; Janne;
(Haukipudas, FI) ; COLLEY; Ashley; (Oulu,
FI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nokia Technologies Oy |
Espoo |
|
FI |
|
|
Family ID: |
52992333 |
Appl. No.: |
15/031506 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
October 22, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2013/059552 |
371 Date: |
April 22, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 76/34 20180201;
H04W 52/0219 20130101; Y02D 70/164 20180101; Y02D 70/166 20180101;
H04W 84/20 20130101; H04W 52/0251 20130101; H04W 52/0245 20130101;
Y02D 70/1224 20180101; Y02D 70/22 20180101; Y02D 70/1262 20180101;
Y02D 70/142 20180101; Y02D 70/144 20180101; Y02D 70/146 20180101;
H04W 52/02 20130101; H04W 68/00 20130101; Y02D 70/1242 20180101;
Y02D 30/70 20200801 |
International
Class: |
H04W 52/02 20060101
H04W052/02; H04W 76/06 20060101 H04W076/06 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: causing a connection to be established with
a local network; wherein the local network includes a modem which
is in connection with a network; causing at least one mobile device
to be disconnected from the network following the connection to the
local network; while the at least one mobile device is disconnected
from the network, receiving a signal indicating that a connection
should be established with the network; and in response to the
signal, causing the connection with the local network to be
terminated and causing the connection to be established with the
network.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the at least one mobile
device further comprises a plurality of mobile devices, and wherein
the method further comprises determining a host device from the
plurality of mobile devices; wherein the determining a host device
is based on at least one of a signal strength and battery life of
the plurality of mobile devices; wherein the host device serves as
the modem.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the at least one mobile
device further comprises a plurality of mobile devices, wherein one
of the mobile devices is a host device and serves as the modem.
4. A method according to claim 3 further comprising causing
non-host mobile devices to shift to a low power mode in response to
disconnecting the non-host mobile device from the network.
5. A method according to claim 4 further comprising: causing
non-host mobile devices to shift to normal power mode in response
to receiving a signal form the network.
6. A method according to claim 4 further comprising: identifying
the mobile device to which the signal is directed; and causing the
identified mobile device to shift to normal power mode.
7. A method according to claim 1 further comprising: following
termination of the connection with the network, identifying a
second local network; causing a connection between the first local
network and the second local network; and forming a single local
network.
8. A method according to claim 3 furthering comprising; requesting
at least one of signal strength and battery life data form the
plurality of mobile devices, based on at least one of a battery
life and signal strength of the host device satisfying a
predetermined value; and determining another host device from the
plurality of mobile devices based on at least one of the signal
strength and battery life.
9. An apparatus comprising a processor and a memory including
computer program code, the memory and computer program code
configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to: cause a
connection to be established with a local network; wherein the
local network includes a modem which is in connection with a
network; cause at least one mobile device to be disconnected from
the network following the connection to the local network; while
the at least one mobile device is disconnected from the network,
receive a signal indicating that a connection should be established
with the network; and in response to the signal, cause the
connection with the local network to be terminated and cause the
connection to be established with the network.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9: wherein the at least one
mobile device further comprises a plurality of mobile devices, and
wherein the memory and computer program code are further configured
to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to: determine a host
device from the plurality of mobile devices; wherein the
determining a host device is based on at least one of a signal
strength and battery life of the plurality of mobile devices;
wherein the host device serves as the modem.
11. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the at least one
mobile device further comprises a plurality of mobile devices,
wherein one of the mobile devices is a host device and serves as
the modem.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the memory and
computer program code are further configured to, with the
processor, cause the apparatus to: cause non-host mobile devices to
shift to a low power mode in response to disconnecting the non-host
mobile device from the network.
13. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the memory and
computer program code are further configured to, with the
processor, cause the apparatus to: cause non-host mobile devices to
shift to normal power mode in response to receiving a signal form
the network.
14. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the memory and
computer program code are further configured to, with the
processor, cause the apparatus to: identify the mobile device the
network signal is directed; and cause the identified mobile device
to shift to normal power mode.
15. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the memory and
computer program code are further configured to, with the
processor, cause the apparatus to: following the termination of the
connection with the local network, identify a second local network;
cause a connection between the first local network and the second
local network; and form a single local network.
16. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the memory and
computer program code are further configured to, with the
processor, cause the apparatus to: request at least one of signal
strength and battery life data form the plurality of mobile
devices, based on at least one of a battery life and signal
strength of the host device satisfying a predetermined value; and
determine another host device from the plurality of mobile devices
based on at least one of the signal strength and battery life.
17. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer
readable medium having program code portions stored thereon, the
program code portions configured, upon execution to: cause a
connection to be established with a local network; wherein the
local network includes a modem which is in connection with a
network; cause at least one mobile device to be disconnected from
the network following the connection to the local network; while
the at least one mobile device is disconnected from the network,
receive a signal indicating that a connection should be established
with the network; and in response to the signal, cause the
connection with the local network to be terminated and causing the
connection to be established with the network.
18. A computer program product according to claim 17: wherein the
at least one mobile device further comprises a plurality of mobile
devices; and wherein the program code portions are further
configured, upon execution, to determine a host device from the
plurality of mobile devices; wherein the determining a host device
is based on at least one of a signal strength and battery life of
the plurality of mobile devices; wherein the host device serves as
the modem.
19. A computer program product according to claim 17: wherein the
at least one mobile device further comprises a plurality of mobile
devices; and wherein one of the mobile devices is a host device and
serves as a modem.
20. A computer program product according to claim 19 wherein the
program code portions are further configured, upon execution, to
cause non-host mobile devices to shift to a low power mode in
response to disconnecting the non-host mobile device from the
network.
21. A computer program product according to claim 19 wherein the
program code portions are further configured, upon execution, to
cause non-host mobile devices to shift to normal power mode in
response to receiving a signal form the network.
22. A computer program product according to claim 20 wherein the
program code portions are further configured, upon execution, to
identify the mobile device the network signal is directed; and
causing the identified mobile device to shift to normal power
mode.
23. A computer program product according to claim 20 wherein the
program code portions are further configured, upon execution, to
following the termination of the connection with the network,
identify a second local network; cause a connection between the
first local network and second local network; and form a single
local network.
24. A computer program product according to claim 19 wherein the
program code portions are further configured, upon execution, to
request at least one of signal strength and battery life data form
the plurality of mobile devices, based on at least one of a battery
life and signal strength of the host device satisfying a
predetermined value; and determine another host device from the
plurality of mobile devices based on at least one of the signal
strength and battery life.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a 371 U.S. national phase entry of PCT
International Application No. PCT/M2013/059552, filed Oct. 22,
2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
[0002] An example embodiment of the present invention relates
generally to battery conservation and, more particularly, to
battery conservation with a shared network connection.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Mobile devices have limited usage time due to battery life
constraints. The battery is limited in capacity due to the size,
shape, and weight that is desirable for mobility. Even with higher
capacity batteries the battery life is insufficient for a
significant amount of users and increasing usage.
[0004] One of the major contributors to short battery life is the
power consumption necessary to open and maintain a data connection
with a network open and available. Although no data is being
transferred to or from the mobile device, the mobile device
consumes power monitoring and maintaining the data connection.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] A method, apparatus and computer program product are
provided in accordance with an example embodiment in order to
facilitate the conservation of battery life with a shared network
connection. As such, a local network including a modem in
connection with a network may be established with a plurality of
mobile devices. At least some of the mobile devices in the local
network may be disconnected from the network. The mobile devices
that are disconnected may enter a low power mode, such as a sleep
mode, in order to conserve energy. When a signal is received from
the network addressed to one of the mobile devices that is
disconnected from the network, the mobile device may re-connect to
the network and establish communications therewith.
[0006] In an example embodiment, a method is provided that includes
causing a connection to be established with a local network;
wherein the local network includes a modem which is in connection
with a network; causing at least one mobile device to be
disconnected from the network following the connection to the local
network; while the at least one mobile device is disconnected from
the network, receiving a signal indicating that a connection should
be established with the network; and in response to the signal,
causing the connection with the local network to be terminated and
causing the connection to be established with the network.
[0007] The at least one mobile device may include a plurality of
mobile devices and the method of an example embodiment may further
include determining a host device from the plurality of mobile
devices; wherein the determining a host device is based on at least
one of a signal strength and battery life of the plurality of
mobile devices; wherein the host device serves as the modem. The at
least one mobile device may include a plurality of mobile devices
wherein one of the mobile devices is a host device and serves as
the modem. The method of another embodiment may include causing
non-host mobile devices to shift to a low power mode in response to
disconnecting the non-host mobile device from the network, to
conserve battery life. The method of another embodiment may include
shifting non-host mobile devices to normal power mode in response
to receiving a signal form the network.
[0008] The method of an example embodiment may include identifying
the mobile device the network signal is directed; and causing the
identified mobile device to shift normal power mode. The method of
another embodiment may include following the termination of the
connection with the network, identifying a second local network;
causing a connection between the first local network and the second
local network; and forming a single local network. The method of
another example embodiment may include requesting at least one of
signal strength and battery life data form the plurality of mobile
devices, based on at least one of a battery life and signal
strength of the host device satisfying a predetermined value; and
determining another host device from the plurality of mobile
devices based on at least one of the signal strength and battery
life.
[0009] In an another example embodiment, an apparatus is provided
that includes a processor and a memory including computer program
code, the memory and computer program code configured to, with the
processor, cause the apparatus to cause a connection to be
established with a local network; wherein the local network
includes a modem which is in connection with a network; cause at
least one mobile device to be disconnected from the network
following the connection to the local network; while the at least
one mobile device is disconnected from the network, receive a
signal indicating that a connection should be established with the
network; and in response to the signal, cause the connection with
the local network to be terminated and cause the connection to be
established with the network. The at least one mobile device may
include a plurality of mobile devices and the memory and computer
program code may be configured to, with the processor cause the
apparatus of the example embodiment to determine a host device from
the plurality of mobile devices; wherein the determining a host
device is based on at least one of a signal strength and battery
life of the plurality of mobile device. The host device serves as
the modem. The at least one mobile device may include a plurality
of mobile devices wherein one of the mobile devices is a host
device and serves as the modem.
[0010] The memory and computer program code may be configured to,
with the processor cause the apparatus of the example embodiment to
cause non-host mobile devices to shift to a low power mode in
response to disconnecting the non-host mobile device from the
network to conserve battery life. The memory and computer program
code may be configured to, with the processor cause the apparatus
of the example embodiment to shift non-host mobile devices to
normal power mode in response to receiving a signal form the
network. The memory and computer program code may be configured to,
with the processor cause the apparatus of the example embodiment to
identify the mobile device the network signal is directed; and
shift the identified mobile device to normal power mode.
[0011] The memory and computer program code may be configured to,
with the processor cause the apparatus of the example embodiment to
following the termination of the connection with the local network,
identify a second local network; cause a connection between the
first local network and the second local network ; and form a
single network. The memory and computer program code may be
configured to, with the processor cause the apparatus of the
example embodiment to request at least one of signal strength and
battery life data form the plurality of mobile devices, based on at
least one of a battery life and signal strength of the host device
satisfying a predetermined value; and determine a another host
device from the plurality of mobile devices based on at least one
of the signal strength and battery life.
[0012] In a further embodiment, a computer program product is
provided that includes a non-transitory computer readable medium
having program code portions stored thereon, the program code
portions configured, upon execution to cause a connection to be
established with a local network; wherein the local network
includes a modem which is in connection with a network; cause at
least one mobile device to be disconnected from the network
following the connection to the local network; while the at least
one mobile device is disconnected from the network, receive a
signal indicating that a connection should be established with the
network; and in response to the signal, cause the connection with
the local network to be terminated and causing the connection to be
established with the network.
[0013] The at least one mobile device may include a plurality of
mobile devices and the program code portions of an example
embodiment may be configured, upon execution, to determine a host
device from the plurality of mobile devices; wherein the
determining a host device is based on at least one of a signal
strength and battery life of the plurality of mobile devices;
wherein the host device serves as the modem. The at least one
mobile device may include a plurality of mobile devices wherein one
of the mobile devices is a host device and serves as a modem.
[0014] The program code portions of the example embodiment may also
be configured, upon execution, to cause non-host mobile devices to
shift to a low power mode in response to disconnecting the non-host
mobile device from the network to conserve battery life. The
program code portions of the example embodiment may also be
configured, upon execution, to cause non-host mobile devices to
shift to normal power mode in response to receiving a signal form
the network.
[0015] The program code portions of the example embodiment may also
be configured, upon execution, to identify the mobile device the
network signal is directed; and shift the identified mobile device
to normal power mode. The program code portions of the example
embodiment may also be configured, upon execution, to following the
termination of the connection with the network, identify a second
local network; and determine a host device from the plurality of
host devices.
[0016] The program code portions of the example embodiment may also
be configured, upon execution, to request at least one of signal
strength and battery life data form the plurality of mobile
devices, based on at least one of a battery life and signal
strength of the host device satisfying a predetermined value; and
determine a another host device from the plurality of mobile
devices based on at least one of the signal strength and battery
life.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that
includes means for causing a connection to be established with a
local network that includes a modem which is in connection with a
network and means for causing at least one mobile device to be
disconnected from the network following the connection to the local
network. The apparatus of this embodiment also includes means for,
while the at least one mobile device is disconnected from the
network, receiving a signal indicating that a connection should be
established with the network; and means for, in response to the
signal, causing the connection with the local network to be
terminated and causing the connection to be established with the
network
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Having thus described example embodiments of the invention
in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying
drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and
wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a plurality mobile
devices in communication with an network in accordance with an
example embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 1A is a schematic representation of a plurality mobile
devices in communication with an modem, which is in communication
with a network in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a plurality of local
networks comprising a plurality of mobile devices in communication
with a network in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an apparatus that may be
specifically configured in order to conserve battery life of mobile
device with a shared network connection in accordance with an
example embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the operations
performed, such as by the apparatus of FIG. 3, in accordance with
an example embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIGS. 5-8 are schematic representations of a plurality of
mobile devices in communication with a network in accordance with
an example embodiment of the present invention; and
[0025] FIGS. 9-14 illustrate signal flow diagrams illustrating the
operations performed, such as by the apparatus of FIG. 3, in
accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be
described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention
are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention may be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy
applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to
like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms "data,"
"content," "information," and similar terms may be used
interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted,
received and/or stored in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken
to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present
invention.
[0027] Additionally, as used herein, the term `circuitry` refers to
(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in
analog circuitry and/or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of
circuits and computer program product(s) comprising software and/or
firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable
memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or
more functions described herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for
example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s),
that require software or firmware for operation even if the
software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of
`circuitry` applies to all uses of this term herein, including in
any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term
`circuitry` also includes an implementation comprising one or more
processors and/or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software
and/or firmware. As another example, the term `circuitry` as used
herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or
applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a
similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device,
other network device, and/or other computing device.
[0028] As defined herein, a "computer-readable storage medium,"
which refers to a non-transitory physical storage medium (e.g.,
volatile or non-volatile memory device), can be differentiated from
a "computer-readable transmission medium," which refers to an
electromagnetic signal.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a plurality of
mobile devices in communication with a network in accordance with
an example embodiment of the present invention. The mobile devices
may be any of a variety of mobile devices including, for example, a
portable data assistant (PDA), mobile telephone, smart phone,
pager, mobile television, gaming device, laptop computer, camera,
tablet computer, touch surface, video recorder, audio visual
player, radio, electronic book, positioning device (for example,
global positioning system (GPS) device), or any combination of the
aforementioned, and other types of voice or data communications
systems. Additionally, the mobile devices may be in communication
with a variety of different types of networks including various
first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G,
third-generation (3G) communication protocols, fourth-generation
(4G) communication protocols, Internet Protocol Multimedia
Subsystem (IMS) communication protocols (e.g., session initiation
protocol (SIP)), and/or the like. For example, the mobile devices
may be capable of operating in accordance with 2G wireless
communication protocols IS-136 (Time Division Multiple Access
(TDMA)), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), IS-95 (Code
Division Multiple Access (CDMA)), and/or the like. Also, for
example, the mobile devices may be capable of operating in
accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE),
and/or the like. Further, for example, the mobile devices may be
capable of operating in accordance with 3G wireless communication
protocols such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
(UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Wideband
Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Time Division-Synchronous
Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), and/or the like. The
mobile devices may be additionally capable of operating in
accordance with 3.9G wireless communication protocols such as Long
Term Evolution (LTE) or Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access
Network (E-UTRAN) and/or the like. Additionally, for example, the
mobile devices may be capable of operating in accordance with
fourth-generation (4G) wireless communication protocols and/or the
like as well as similar wireless communication protocols that may
be developed in the future.
[0030] A method, apparatus and computer program product are
provided in accordance with an example embodiment for battery life
conservation of a mobile device 10 with a shared network
connection, in which a plurality of mobile devices 10 may be
connected through a local area network. In an instance in which a
plurality of mobile devices 10 are not actively communicating on a
network data connection, the mobile devices may establish a local
network connection between the mobile devices. The local network
may be a low power mesh pico network. The mobile devices 10 may
determine a host device 10a based on signal strength and battery
life available to permit continued monitoring of the network on
behalf of the other mobile devices of the local network who may be
operating in a low power mode to conserve battery power.
[0031] An example of the signal strength and battery life
determination may comprise: collecting the battery life and signal
strength data from each mobile device 10; comparing the battery
life and signal strength data of the mobile devices; and selecting
a host device based on the battery life and signal strength. The
host device may be selected so as to maximize battery life for all
mobile devices connected to the local network. For example, device
having a high battery life with a low signal strength may be
selected over a device having less battery power but greater signal
strength, even though the network connection with a low signal
strength may draw more power, in order to maintain the battery
level for the other mobile devices. In an instance in which there
are three mobile devices designated A, B and C with battery
life/signal strength values of A: 4/6; B: 8/4; C; 5/4, mobile
device B may be selected since mobile device B has the highest
battery life, in an instance in which increasing battery life and
signal strength values represent greater battery life and signal
strength, respectively. In an instance where the battery life of
the mobile devices is evenly distributed, the selection of a host
device 10a may be based on the highest signal strength, therefore
consuming the least power to maintain the connection to the
network. As the foregoing example illustrates, battery life may be
given priority relative to signal strength in the determination of
a host device.
[0032] The host device 10a may maintain a data connection with a
network 14, while concurrently being a member of a local network
that also includes the other mobile devices. Each mobile device may
include an identification module, such as a subscriber identity
module (SIM), a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), a
removable user identity module (R-UIM), international mobile
station equipment identity (IMEI), or the like, which may store
information facilitating the connection of the respective mobile
device with the network. Thus, the host device may collect the
information from the identification modules of the other mobile
devices to permit the host device to maintain a connection with the
network on behalf of the plurality of mobile devices. The data
connection between the non-host mobile devices 10b and the network
14 may be broken once the local network is established. The
non-host mobile devices 10b may shift to a low power mode to
conserve power. FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a host
device 10a (designated 3) in a full power mode maintaining the
connection to the network. Further, the non-host devices 10b of
FIG. 5 are shifted to a low power mode or deep sleep mode operating
only on the local network. Although, only the host device 10a is
connected to the network, the network detects all of the mobile
device 10 mobile device identifiers, such as SIM addresses. The low
power mode may comprise: termination of active data connection;
termination of some processing functions; termination of all
processing functions, except the local network; or the like.
[0033] Following the establishment of the local network, the host
device 10a may receive a signal from the network 14 and may process
the signal in a variety of manners. In an instance in which the
host device 10a receives a network signal that identifies the host
device, such as by identifying a SIM address of the host device
10a, the host device may request all of the non-host devices to
shift to a normal power mode. Further, the non-host mobile devices
10b may establish data communications with the network.
Alternatively, in an instance in which the host device receives a
network signal that identifies a non-host mobile device, such as by
identifying a SIM address for one of the non-host mobile devices
10b, the host device may request all of the non-host devices to
shift to normal power and establish data communications with the
network 14. FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of host Device
10a receiving a signal form the network 14 with a device
identifier, such as a SIM address for one of the non-host devices
10a. The host device of FIG. 6 sends a wake up signal to each of
the non-host devices 10b through the local network connection. FIG.
7 illustrates an example embodiment of the mobile devices 10 in
communication with the network 14. The mobile device designated 2
is actively transferring data on the network 14.
[0034] In an alternative example, in which the host device 10a
receives a network signal that identifies a non-host mobile device,
such as by identifying a SIM address for one of the non-host mobile
devices 10b, the host device may request only the addressed mobile
device to shift to normal power and establish data communications
with the network, while maintaining the local network with the
other mobile terminals.
[0035] The mobile device 10 that has been identified by the network
signal may disestablish the local network connection and may
transfer data with the network based on the network signal. The
remaining mobile devices 10 may also terminate the local network
and may establish another local network without the mobile device
that was identified by the network signal. In an instance in which
another local network is to be established, the mobile devices may
determine a host device 10a, based on signal strength and/or
battery life as discussed above. The host device 10a may maintain
the data connection to the network 14. The non-host devices of the
local network may enter a low power mode. When the mobile device 10
is no longer actively using the data connection to the network 14,
the mobile device may connect to the local network. When the mobile
device 10 has connected to the local network, the host device 10a
may request that the host device be re-determined based on battery
life and/or signal strength, as discussed above. In an alternative
example embodiment the host device may request the mobile device 10
to break the data connection with the network and shift to low
power mode as a non-host mobile device 10b.
[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates an example embodiment of another host
device 10a (designated 1) being selected and maintaining the
connection to the network 14, in a local network with non-host
mobile devices 10b. The non-host mobile devices 10b return to a low
power mode to conserve power.
[0037] In an instance where the battery life of the host device 10a
satisfies a predetermined value, such as by being less than or
equal to a predetermined threshold, the host device may request the
battery life and signal strength data for all mobile devices 10
connected to the local network and determine a new host device. For
example, in an instance when the battery life/signal strength
values for mobile devices A, B and C are A: 4/6; B 2/4; C; 5/4,
mobile device B as the current host device 10a has satisfied a
predetermined battery life value in this example of 2. The host
device 10a may select the replacement host of either mobile device
A or mobile device C; because the battery life values are
relatively similar the signal strength may be used to determine the
replacement host device. Therefore, mobile device A may be selected
as the replacement host device 10a, due to the higher signal
strength value. A similar determination to that described above in
conjunction with the battery life of the host device falling below
a predetermined value may be performed by the host device 10a in an
instance in which the host device loses the network connection, the
network connection signal strength value satisfies a predetermined
value or in other predefined scenarios.
[0038] In an example embodiment, another mobile device 10 may
connect to the local network. The other mobile device 10, may
request to connect to the local network and identify the host
device 10a. The host device 10a may accept the connection to the
local network and the other mobile device may become a non-host
mobile device 10b. As a non-host mobile device 10b the other mobile
device may disconnect from the network 14 data connection and shift
to a low power mode. In an alternative example embodiment, the host
device 10a may request signal strength and battery life values from
all non-host mobile devices in response to the request by another
mobile device to join the local network and may then determine a
host device 10a.
[0039] In the foregoing example of FIG. 1, one of the mobile
terminals served as the modem for maintaining a connection with the
network. The local network may include, however, a dedicated modem.
In this regard, FIG. 1A is a schematic representation of a
plurality of mobile devices in communication with an modem, which
is in communication with a network in accordance with an example
embodiment of the present invention. A method, apparatus and
computer program product are provided in accordance with an example
embodiment for battery life conservation of a mobile device 10 with
a shared network connection, in which one or a plurality of mobile
devices may be connected through a local area network modem 12
which is in communication with a network 14. The modem 12 may have
a constant or near constant power supply. In an instance in which
the mobile device(s) 10 are not actively communicating on a network
data connection, the mobile devices may establish a local network
between the mobile devices and a modem 12.
[0040] The modem 12 may maintain a data connection with a network
14 in accordance with the information from the identification
modules for each of the mobile devices 10 connected through the
local network. Once the local network is established, the data
connection between the mobile devices 10 and the network 14 may be
disconnected. The mobile devices 10 may shift to a low power mode.
The low power mode may comprise; termination of active data
connection; termination of some processing functions; termination
of all processing functions, except the local network; or the
like.
[0041] In an instance in which the modem 12 receives a network
signal that identifies one of the mobile terminals, such as with a
SIM address for one of the non-host mobile devices 10, the modem
may request all of the mobile devices to shift to normal power and
establish data communications with the network 14. In an
alternative example, in which the modem 12 receives a network
signal that identifies one of the mobile terminals, such as with a
SIM address for one of the mobile devices 10, the modem may request
only the addressed mobile device to shift to normal power and
establish data communications with the network 14, while the other
mobile devices remain in communication with the local network.
[0042] The mobile device 10 that has received a network signal
disestablishes the local network connection and transfers data
based on the network signal. In an instance in which the modem 12
has requested all mobile devices to shift to normal power and
connect to the network 14, the mobile devices 10 (other than the
mobile device that received the network signal) may reestablish the
local network and shift to low power mode as discussed above. When
the mobile device 10 is no longer actively using the data
connection with the network 14, the mobile device that was
previously connected to the network may also re-connect to the
local network. When the mobile device 10 has connected to the local
network, the modem may request the mobile device 10 to break the
data communication link with the network and shift to low power
mode.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a plurality of local
networks comprising a plurality of mobile devices 10 in
communication with a network in accordance with an example
embodiment of the present invention. A method, apparatus and
computer program product are provided in accordance with an example
embodiment for battery life conservation of a mobile device 10 with
a shared network connection, in which a plurality of local networks
comprising a plurality of mobile devices 10 are in data
communication with a network 14. Each local network includes host
devices 10a/10a' and non-host mobile devices 10b/10b'.
[0044] In an instance where a first host device 10a detects a
second host device 10a', the host devices 10a/10a' cause a
connection to be established between the first local network and
the second local network. The host devices 10a/10a' of this example
embodiment may determine a new host device as between the plurality
of host devices, based on signal strength and battery life as
discussed above. The determined new host device 10a will receive
the information from the identification modules, e.g., the SIM
modules, for each of the non-host mobile devices 10b' from the
former host device 10a'. The non-host mobile devices 10b' and the
former host device 10a' of the second local network, may be
combined with the first local network non-host devices 10b to form
a single local network. The former host device 10a' may break the
data communication link with the network 14 and shift to low power
mode.
[0045] An apparatus 20 in accordance with an example embodiment of
the present invention may be embodied by any of a variety of
computing devices, such as a mobile device 10 or the modem 12 that
is in communication with the mobile devices and a network 14.
Regardless of the computing device that embodies the apparatus, the
apparatus, such as that shown in FIG. 3, is specifically configured
in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention
to conserve battery life of mobile devices with a shared network
connection. The apparatus may include or otherwise be in
communication with a processor 22, a memory device 24, a
communication interface 26 and an optional user interface 28. In
some embodiments, the processor (and/or co-processors or any other
processing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with the
processor) may be in communication with the memory device via a bus
for passing information among components of the apparatus. The
memory device may be non-transitory and may include, for example,
one or more volatile and/or non-volatile memories. In other words,
for example, the memory device may be an electronic storage device
(e.g., a computer readable storage medium) comprising gates
configured to store data (e.g., bits) that may be retrievable by a
machine (e.g., a computing device like the processor). The memory
device may be configured to store information, data, content,
applications, instructions, or the like for enabling the apparatus
to carry out various functions in accordance with an example
embodiment of the present invention. For example, the memory device
could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the
processor. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device could
be configured to store instructions for execution by the
processor.
[0046] As noted above, the apparatus 20 may be embodied by a
computing device. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus may
be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus
may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including
materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g.,
a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical
strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical
interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus
may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an
embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single
"system on a chip." As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may
constitute means for performing one or more operations for
providing the functionalities described herein.
[0047] The processor 22 may be embodied in a number of different
ways. For example, the processor may be embodied as one or more of
various hardware processing means such as a coprocessor, a
microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a
processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, or various
other processing circuitry including integrated circuits such as,
for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an
FPGA (field programmable gate array), a microcontroller unit (MCU),
a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the
like. As such, in some embodiments, the processor may include one
or more processing cores configured to perform independently. A
multi-core processor may enable multiprocessing within a single
physical package. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may
include one or more processors configured in tandem via the bus to
enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining and/or
multithreading.
[0048] In an example embodiment, the processor 22 may be configured
to execute instructions stored in the memory device 24 or otherwise
accessible to the processor. Alternatively or additionally, the
processor may be configured to execute hard coded functionality. As
such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a
combination thereof, the processor may represent an entity (e.g.,
physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations
according to an embodiment of the present invention while
configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor is
embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor may be
specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations
described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the
processor is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the
instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform
the algorithms and/or operations described herein when the
instructions are executed. However, in some cases, the processor
may be a processor of a specific device (e.g., a mobile terminal or
a fixed computing device) configured to employ an embodiment of the
present invention by further configuration of the processor by
instructions for performing the algorithms and/or operations
described herein. The processor may include, among other things, a
clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and logic gates configured to
support operation of the processor.
[0049] The apparatus 20 of an example embodiment may also include a
communication interface 26 that may be any means such as a device
or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of
hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit
data from/to a communications device in communication with the
apparatus, such as to facilitate communications with one or more
mobile devices 10 or the like. In this regard, the communication
interface may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple
antennas) and supporting hardware and/or software for enabling
communications with a wireless communication network. Additionally
or alternatively, the communication interface may include the
circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission
of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals
received via the antenna(s). In some environments, the
communication interface may alternatively or also support wired
communication. As such, for example, the communication interface
may include a communication modem and/or other hardware and/or
software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber
line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB) or other mechanisms.
[0050] The apparatus 20 may also optionally include a user
interface 28, such as in instances in which the apparatus is
embodied by a mobile device 10, that may, in turn, be in
communication with the processor 22 to provide output to the user
and, in some embodiments, to receive an indication of a user input.
As such, the user interface may include a display and, in some
embodiments, may also include a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a
touch screen, touch areas, soft keys, one or more microphones, a
plurality of speakers, or other input/output mechanisms. In one
embodiment, the processor may comprise user interface circuitry
configured to control at least some functions of one or more user
interface elements such as a display and, in some embodiments, a
plurality of speakers, a ringer, one or more microphones and/or the
like. The processor and/or user interface circuitry comprising the
processor may be configured to control one or more functions of one
or more user interface elements through computer program
instructions (e.g., software and/or firmware) stored on a memory
accessible to the processor (e.g., memory device 24, and/or the
like).
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 4, the operations performed, such as
by the apparatus 20 of FIG. 3, conserves battery life with a shared
network connection. As shown in block 402 of FIG. 4, the apparatus
may include means, such as the processor 22 or the like, for
establishing a local network. In an instance in which one or a
plurality of mobile devices (e.g. mobile devices 10 as shown in
FIG. 1) are not actively using a data connection to a network (e.g.
network 14 as shown in FIG. 1), the processor 22 of each of a
plurality of mobile devices may be configured to cause their
respective communication interfaces 26 to establish a connection to
a local network. Mobile devices may therefore be configured to
support communications in accordance with any of a variety of
proximity-based wireless communications protocols including, for
example, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communications (NFC), BlueTooth and
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). For
example, the local network connection may be a low power mesh pico
network.
[0052] In an example embodiment, the local network may be
established between a modem (e.g. modem 12 as shown in FIG. 1A) and
one or a plurality of mobile devices. In an instance in which the
mobile device is not actively using the data connection to the
network, the processor 22 of the mobile device 10 may be configured
to cause the communications interface 26 to establish a connection
to a local network with the modem 12. In an instance in which a the
local connection is between a modem and mobile device(s) 10, the
modem may serve as the host device and process steps 404 and 406
below relating to the designation of a host device are not
necessary with the process continuing at block 408.
[0053] As shown in block 404 of FIG. 4 in an instance in which one
of the mobile devices serves as the modem, the apparatus 20 may
include means, such as a processor 22 or the like, for determining
signal strength and battery life of mobile devices 10 connected to
the local network. In other embodiments, the apparatus may only
request or report a signal strength or battery life value. The
processor 22 of each mobile device 10 may be configured to direct
the communication interface to sample and report a battery life
value and signal strength value to the other mobile devices
connected to the local network. This report of the battery life
value and signal strength value may be performed in response to a
request from one of the mobile devices.
[0054] As shown in block 406 of FIG. 4, the apparatus 20 may
include a means, such as a processor 22 or the like, for
determining a host device (e.g. host device 10a as shown in FIG. 1)
from the mobile devices 10 connected to the local network. The host
device determination may be performed by any mobile device 10 in
the local network. The host device may be selected based on at
least one of the battery life and signal strength of the mobile
devices by the processors 22 of the mobile devices 10. Although the
determination of a host device is described below based on battery
life values and signal strength values, the host device
determination may be based on battery life value or signal strength
values alone in other embodiments. The host device determination
battery values and signal strength values may be determined to
maximize battery life for all mobile devices 10 connected to the
local network. For example, a mobile device having a high battery
life with a low signal strength may be selected over a mobile
device having less battery power but greater signal strength, even
though the network connection with a low signal strength may draw
more power, in order to maintain the battery level for the other
mobile devices. In an instance in which there are three mobile
devices designated A, B and C with battery life/signal strength
values are A: 4/6; B: 8/4; C; 5/4, mobile device B may be selected
since mobile device B has the highest battery life, in an instance
in which increasing battery life and signal strength values
represent greater battery life and signal strength, respectively.
In an instance in which the battery life of the mobile devices is
evenly distributed the selection of a host device 10a may be based
on the highest signal strength consuming the least power to
maintain the connection to the network. As the foregoing example
illustrates, battery life may be given priority relative to signal
strength in the determination of a host device.
[0055] As shown at block 408 of FIG. 4, the apparatus 20 may
include means, such as the processor 22 or the like, for
disconnecting non-host mobile devices from the network 14. The
processor 22 of the host device 10a may be configured to request or
cause each of the non-host devices (e.g. non-host mobile devices
10b) break the data communication link to the network. The
processor 22 of each non-host mobile device 10b may be configured
to transfer its associated identity information from an
identification module, such as SIM data, to the host device 10a
through the communications interface 26 and the local network. In
some instances, the transfer of the identity information may be in
response to a request by the host device. The processor 22 of each
non-host mobile device 10b may be configured to cause the
communications interfaces 26 to break the connection with the
network 14, in response to the host device 10a request. In an
alternative embodiment the processors 22 of the mobile devices 10
may be configured to cause the respective communications interface
26 to disconnect form the network without direction form the host
device 10a.
[0056] As shown in block 410 of FIG. 4, the apparatus 20 may
include means, such as the processor 22 or the like, for shifting
non-host devices 10b to a low power mode. The processors 22 of the
non-host devices 10b may be configured to cause the non-host
devices to shift to a low power mode in response to disconnecting
from the network. In another example embodiment the processor 22 of
the host device 10a causes the non-host devices 10b to shift to low
power mode in response to the non-host devices disconnecting from
the network. The low power mode may comprise: termination of active
data connection; termination of some processing functions;
termination of all processing functions, except the local network;
or the like. The processor 22 of each non-host mobile device may be
configured to terminate predetermined functions of the mobile
device to conserve power. The communication interface 26 may be
configured to maintain the low power mesh pico network during the
low power mode.
[0057] As shown in block 412 of FIG. 4, the apparatus 20 may
include means, such as the processor or the like, for receiving a
network signal for a mobile device 10 connected to the local
network. The communications interface 26 of a host device 10a or
modem 12 may be configured to receive a signal from the network 14
which identifies, such as based upon the identity information, a
mobile device connected to the local network. The host device 10a
or modem 12 may send the signal from the network to the non-host
devices. The processors 22 of the non-host devices may also be
configured to receive a signal form the network as sent from the
host device 10a or the modem 12.
[0058] As shown in block 414 of FIG. 4, the apparatus 20 may
include means, such as the processor 22 or the like, for shifting
all mobile devices connected to the local network to a normal power
mode. The processor 22 of the host device 10a or modem 12 may be
configured to cause the communications interface 26 to send a
signal to cause each of the mobile devices connected to the local
network to shift to a normal power mode. The processor 22 of each
mobile device 10 may be configured to shift to a normal power mode
in response to receiving the signal from the host device 10a. In
another example embodiment, the processors 22 of the non-host
devices 10b may be configured to cause the non-host devices to
shift to a normal power mode in response to receiving a signal from
the network.
[0059] As shown in block 420 of FIG. 4, the apparatus 20 may
include means, such as the processor 22 or the like, for connecting
the mobile devices 10 to the network 14. In response to receiving a
signal from the network, the processor 22 of the mobile device(s)
10 may be configured to cause the communications interface 26 to
establish a data connection with the network 14. The processor 22
of the mobile device 10 may be configured to transfer data with the
network 14 as necessary. The unaddressed mobile devices may
recommence the process by establishing a local network connection
at block 402.
[0060] In an instance in which the mobile device is no longer
actively transferring data with on the network connection, the
mobile device may establish a local network connection with the
host device 10a or a modem 12. Where a local network has already
been established the processor 22 of the host device 10a or modem
12 may be configured to consider the mobile device a non-host
mobile device 10b by default to conserve power and the process may
continue at block 408 disconnecting the mobile device from the
network. In an alternative example the host device 10a may perform
block 404 and 406 determination of battery life and signal strength
and of a host device. If a local network has not been established
the process may be recommenced at block 402.
[0061] As shown in block 426 of FIG. 4, the apparatus 20 may
include means, such as the processor 22 or the like, for
identifying a new mobile device 10. The communications interface 26
of the host device 10a, modem 12, or non-host devices 10b may be
configured to detect a new mobile device or receive a request to
join the local network form the new mobile device. The processor 22
of the host device 10a, the modem 12, or non-host device 10b may be
configured to cause a connection between the new mobile device and
the local network. In an alternative embodiment the processor 22 of
the new mobile device 10 may cause the communications interface 26
to establish a connection to the local network without a signal
from the host device 10a or modem 12. The host device 10a or modem
12 may consider the mobile device a non-host mobile device by
default to conserve power and the process may continue at block 408
disconnecting the mobile device from the network. In an alternative
example the host device 10a may perform block 404 and 406
determination of battery life and signal strength and of a host
device.
[0062] As shown in block 424 of FIG. 4, the apparatus 20 may
include means, such as the processor 22 or the like, for
identifying a second local network. In an instance in which the
communication interface 26 detects a second local network, the
processors 22 of the host devices 10a/10a' may be configured to
establish a connection between the first local network and the
second local network and communicate the battery life and signal
strength values to the opposite host device. The processors 22 of
the host devices 10a/10a' may be configured to make a determination
of the new host device between the host devices as described in
block 406. Further the former host device may be configured to
transfer the mobile device identification, such as SIM data, for
the non-host mobile devices and the former host device to the host
device 10a. The mobile devices of the first and second local
networks may be combined to from a single local network.
[0063] As shown in block 422 of FIG. 4, the apparatus 20 may
include means, such as the processor 22 or the like, for
identifying a low battery life or signal strength of a host device
10a. The processor 22 of the host device 10a may be configured to
periodically request the battery life and signal strength data of
the host device. The processor 22 may be configured to compare the
battery life value and signal strength value to predetermined
values. In an instance in which the battery life or signal strength
satisfies a predetermined value, the processor 22 of the host
device may be configured to request the battery life and signal
strength of each of the mobile devices in connection with the local
network as in block 404 and determine a replacement host device as
in block 406. For example, in an instance when the mobile device 10
battery life/signal strength values are A: 4/6; B 2/4; C; 5/4,
mobile device B as the current host device 10 has satisfied a
predetermined battery life value, in this example 2. The host
device 10a may select the replacement host of either mobile device
A or mobile device C, because the battery life values are
relatively similar the signal strength may be used to determine the
replacement host device. Therefore, mobile device A may be selected
as the replacement host device 10a, due to the higher signal
strength value. A similar determination may be performed by the
host device 10a in an instance in which the host device losses the
network connection, or the network connection signal strength value
satisfies a predetermined value.
[0064] As shown in block 416 of FIG. 4, the apparatus 20 may
include means, such as the processor 22 or the like, for
identifying the addressed mobile device 10. In response to
receiving the network signal at block 412, the processor 22 of the
host device 10a or modem 12 may be configured to identify the
non-host mobile device which the mobile device identification, such
as a SIM data address, corresponds.
[0065] As shown in block 418 of FIG. 4, the apparatus 20 may
include means, such as the processor 22 or the like, for shifting
the addressed mobile device to normal power mode. The processor 22
of the host device 10a may be configured to cause the communication
interface 26 send a signal to cause the addressed mobile device to
shift to normal power mode. The processor 22 of the addressed
mobile device may be configured to shift the addressed mobile
device to normal power mode and connect to the network as shown in
block 420.
[0066] FIGS. 9-14 illustrate various example embodiments of the
process discussed in FIG. 4. The mobile devices are designated A,
B, C, and D for each signal flow diagram. FIG. 9 illustrates a data
flow table of an example embodiment of the process discussed in
blocks 402 through 410 of FIG. 4. Mobile devices A, B, and C may
send connect request and acceptance signals to each of the other
mobile devices. The connect request may comprise, without
limitation, open, device identity (ID), battery life, network
signal strength, or the like. The accept message may comprise,
without limitation, acceptance, device ID, battery life, network
signal strength, or the like. Mobile device B may be determined to
be the host device based on, for example, signal strength and/or
battery life, as discussed in block 406 of FIG. 4. Host device B
may send a host signal to each non-host device A and C. Mobile
device A and C send the respective device identifiers, such as a
SIM identity, to the Host device B. Mobile device A and C may to
shift to a low power mode to conserve battery life. The host device
B may establish a group connection by representing all device
identifiers to the network.
[0067] FIG. 10 illustrates a signal flow diagram of an example
embodiment of the process discussed in blocks 412 through 408 of
FIG. 4. A network signal may be received by the host device B, in
this example the signal is a call. The host device B may remove
mobile device A device identifiers form the group connection with
the network, and send a signal to mobile device A causing mobile
device A to shift to a normal power mode. Mobile device A may
establish a connection with the network and transfer data on the
network connection. When the data transfer or call has ended,
mobile device A may send a connect signal to the host device B. The
host device may send an accept signal to mobile device A. Mobile
device A may shift to a low power mode and the host device may
establish a group connection by representing all device identifiers
for A, B, and C to the network.
[0068] FIG. 11 illustrates a signal flow diagram of an example
embodiment of the process discussed in blocks 426 through 410 of
FIG. 4. The mobile device D may send a connect message to the
nearest mobile device C. Mobile device C may respond with the host
device ID. The mobile device D may send a connect message to the
host device B. The host device B may perform a host device
determination as discussed in block 406 of FIG. 4, including the
signal strength and battery life data of mobile device D. Host
device B may determine to remain the host device and send a accept
signal to mobile device D. Mobile device D may shift to a low power
mode to conserve battery life. The Host device may establish a
group connection by representing device identifiers A, B, C, and D
to the network.
[0069] FIG. 12 illustrates a signal flow diagram of an example
embodiment of the process discussed in blocks 412 through 402 of
FIG. 4. The host device B receives a signal from the network, in
this example a phone call. The host device B sends a signal to the
non-host mobile devices A and C causing each to shift to a normal
power mode. Mobile device B establishes a connection to the network
and transfers data as necessary. When the data transfer is
complete, e.g. the call has ended; the mobile devices may
reestablish a local network as discussed in FIG. 9.
[0070] FIG. 13 illustrates a data flow table of an example
embodiment of the process discussed in blocks 422 through 410 of
FIG. 4. In an instance in which host device B battery life has
decreased to or satisfies a predetermined value, such as by being
below the predetermined value, the host device may determine a new
host device as described in block 406 of FIG. 4. The host device
may send a battery life query to the mobile devices A and C
connected to the local network. The mobile devices A and C may send
a respective battery life value to the host device B. The host
device B may send a signal strength query to each mobile device or
in this example only to the mobile device with the highest battery
life, mobile device A. The host device B may select mobile device A
as the new host and send a host transfer request to mobile device A
and mobile device A may accept the host change. Mobile device B may
shift to a low power mode to conserve battery life. Host device A
may establish a group connection by representing device identifiers
A, B, and C to the network. FIG. 14 illustrates a signal flow
diagram of an example embodiment of the process described in blocks
422 through 410 of FIG. 4. In an instance in which the host device
B loses the network signal or the signal strength has satisfied a
predetermined value, the host device B may determine a new host
device as discussed in block 406 of FIG. 4. The host device may
send a battery query to a mobile device which had the highest
battery life when the local network was established, in this
example mobile device A. The host device B may then send a signal
strength query to mobile device A. Mobile device A may shift to a
normal power mode and establish a connection to the network. Mobile
device A may send a signal strength value to the host device B. The
host device B may select mobile device A as the new host and send a
host transfer request to mobile device A and mobile device A may
accept the host change. Mobile device B may shift to a low power
mode to conserve battery life. Host device A may establish a group
connection by representing device identifiers A, B, and C to the
network.
[0071] As the foregoing example demonstrates an apparatus and
computer program product of an example embodiment allows
conservation of battery life with a shared network connection
reducing the power consumption of one or more of the mobile devices
10 by selecting a host device 10a or modem 12 to maintain the data
connection to the network 14, thus allowing the other mobile
devices to disconnect from the network.
[0072] As described above, FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an
apparatus 20, method, and computer program product according to
example embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that
each block of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the
flowchart, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware,
firmware, processor, circuitry, and/or other communication devices
associated with execution of software including one or more
computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the
procedures described above may be embodied by computer program
instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions
which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a
memory device 24 of an apparatus employing an embodiment of the
present invention and executed by a processor 22 of the apparatus.
As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may
be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (e.g.,
hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or
other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in
the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also
be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer
or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner,
such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory
produce an article of manufacture the execution of which implements
the function specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer
program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other
programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be
performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to
produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions
which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus
provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the
flowchart blocks.
[0073] Accordingly, blocks of the flowchart support combinations of
means for performing the specified functions and combinations of
operations for performing the specified functions for performing
the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or
more blocks of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the
flowchart, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based
computer systems which perform the specified functions, or
combinations of special purpose hardware and computer
instructions.
[0074] In some embodiments, certain ones of the operations above
may be modified or further amplified. Furthermore, in some
embodiments, additional optional operations may be included, such
as illustrated by the dashed outline of blocks 404, 406, 416, 418,
422, 424, and 426 in FIG. 4. Modifications, additions, or
amplifications to the operations above may be performed in any
order and in any combination.
[0075] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the
foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example
embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of
elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different
combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by
alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the
appended claims. In this regard, for example, different
combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly
described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some
of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed
herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and
not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *